NON-POWDERED LATEX GLOVES ARE WORN DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS.

Step 1 - Ultrasonic
The process starts by placing the instruments in an Ultrasonic filled with water, sometimes with a biodegradable liquid cleaner (Simple Green). Tattoo instruments have previously been soaking in Simple Green and water. The Ultrasonic is ran on a 10-15 minute cycle. The Ultrasonic bombards the instruments with ultrasonic waves loosening the caked on pigments or unseen tissues. Tattoo needles are not ran through the ultrasonic as they are built new, needles proceed directly to Step 2.

Step 2 - Scrub
The instruments are removed from the Ultrasonic and then scrubbed using Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush. Tattoo needles are scrubbed the same way. The Scrubbing Bubbles is sprayed onto the instrument/needle and allowed to further break down the pigments, tissue, and grime for a moment. Then the toothbrush is used to scrub the instrument carefully, and thoroughly. In the case of needles they are also scrubbed with a toothbrush, but more carefully and never against the niddle tips as to avoid damaging the needle.

Step 3 - Dry
The instruments/needles are placed on paper towls on another counter to allow them to dry.

Step 4 - Package
Once dry, the instruments/needles are place in sterilzation pouches labeld with the contents, the owner, the date, and the initials of the person packaging it. Piercing needles come clean from the manufacturer and are packaging after recieving them, no scrubbing required. Jewelry is also received clean form the manufacturer, and is packaged with no scrubbing. PLASTIC CANNOT BE STERILZED.

Step 5 - Autoclave
After being packaged the instruments/needles are then placed onto a metal tray that is placed inside the Autoclave. An autoclave uses steam, pressure, and high temperatures to kill bacteria. Once the autoclave is filled to the appropriate level with steam distilled water, the autoclave is shut and sealed and allowed to build pressure and heat. Once the heat and pressure have reached appropriate levels, the timer is started. Generally the autoclave runs for 45 minutes, unless tattoo needle are being ran. In which case the autoclave is only ran for a 30 minute cycle.

Step 6 - Open the Autoclave, Return Instruments/Needles
Once the timer stops, the autoclave is vented. Once the pressure goes down the door can be opened. Once the door is opened, the current pair of gloves is removed and thrown away and a new pair is put on as to not contaminate the sterile objects. The trays in which the instruments sit are removed and taken to the appropriate artists stations where the tu bes are removed with the same pair of clean gloves.

Step 7 - Deal With Needles
Both piercing and tattoo needle are only used once. After which they are placed into a sharps container like those seen in hospitals. Once full these are filled wih plaster or cement and sent to the hospital to be incinerated with their bio-medical waste.